Quit Smoking Monday Messages

Anatomy of a Smoking Relapse

Most of us go through a fair amount of junkie thinking when we quit smoking -- that internal battle between nicotine addiction and ourselves, and early on in smoking cessation, the mental dialog can be difficult to manage. It's often persistent, annoying and exhausting.

Left unchecked, unhealthy thoughts of smoking can simmer in the background of our minds until stress brings them to the surface. When that happens, relapse can follow if we haven't done the work to change our relationship to smoking.

This week I'd like to introduce you to Leslie, a member of the About.com Smoking Cessation forum. After 7 smoke-free months, Leslie suffered a smoking relapse, but has recently returned to continue her smoke-free journey. In her personal account, Leslie shares her thoughts on this tough learning experience in the hopes that it will help others avoid the same plight. Thanks, Leslie.

Anatomy of a Relapse: Leslie's Story

The Road to Relapse
5 Common mistakes ex-smokers make:

• Self-Pity

• Self-Deprecation

• Blaming Others

• Over-Confidence

• Impatience

With a little knowledge about the faulty mindsets that are often a part of junkie thinking, you can approach your quit program prepared to stay in the driver's seat when your mind starts to wander and smoking seems like a good option.

Be patient with yourself and allow the healing process to take place, regardless of how long it takes. Nurture and protect your quit program because it's the path to a healthier and happier you.

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Take The Quit Smoking Monday Pledge

Healthy Monday encourages us to think of every Monday as a day that we can begin work anew on goals that we have for ourselves. If you're still smoking, put your cigarettes down and get started on your quit program today.

We all have the ability to quit smoking successfully, and we all deserve a life that is free of addiction. Honor your life by choosing Monday as the day to start and reinforce your quit program.

You can quit smoking ... and we’re here to help you, one simple Monday at a time.

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